Taylor Hall and the Buffalo Sabres:
Lance Lysowski of the Buffalo News (mailbag): What are the chances Buffalo could acquire Hall? Simply, this writer thinks zero with several caveats. Consider the price tag involved in such a rental for one. Also, Hall would command $9-$11 million as a UFA on the open market. Those are likely both too steep for Jason Botterill. Botterill searches for a top-six forward but Hall is far too expensive at that price point.
The belief is that Colorado or even Boston could be a destination for Taylor Hall. Buffalo contending for Hall’s services is plausible but remote at best.
More on Taylor Hall: It is the message of Ralph Krueger that resonates most with Hall.
Hall added: “We had a lot of younger guys and when you have a younger team like that, it’s important to create an environment that guys know how to come and work hard and enjoy themselves, but also you have to compete and play hard. He brought that. … He only got 48 games and in a really tough conference. We hovered around .500 and had some players on the team do really well that year, whether it was our goalie or guys like myself. He seemed to bring the best out of guys and you’re seeing Eichel take another step this year. Whether it’s Ralph or not, I’m sure he’s enjoyed playing for him.”
Hall enjoyed his time with Krueger and that Edmonton had something which was yanked away.
John Vogl of The Athletic: If a trade were to occur before the Holiday Roster Freeze, Jason Botterill would have two months of Taylor Hall to make a decision. The general manager flipping Hall could help recoup some of the lost assets. A return expects to involve two early-round picks, a good to great prospect, and an NHL caliber player.
Realistically, Buffalo could involve a 2021 first-round pick (even a 2020 second-rounder). Also, add a Lawrence Pilut perhaps and even Rasmus Ristolainen. That may be enough to get Ray Shero on the phone.
